Being inspired – ridiculously simple!

The question I am most often asked as a designer is “What inspires you?” My answer is always “Everything around me!” For instance, the boudoir set I designed (below) was inspired by a box of champagne truffles that was a gift for my birthday. Those colours said ‘boudoir’ to me as soon as I laid eyes on them. Let’s go on a trip around my mind you may be inspired also.

Champagne truffle boudoir set

Unlikely as it may seem, the colours of rhubarb were the inspiration for this chair. Mother nature is the best source of inspiration as her colours never, ever clash.

Green and pink Louis chair - Rhubarb

I live in the Northumberland National Park so I am surrounded by the most amazing views and ever-changing colours. Evening is my favourite time of day. Long shadows make everything look more dramatic and as the sky darkens but the sun still shines, it highlights the greens and makes them vivid. This inspired me to turn this vintage teapot and stand into a representation of the feeling I get when I see such a sight.

Swinging teapot

It’s impossible to visit France and not come across a Jeff de Bruges chocolat shop. His signature colours are dark brown and kingfisher blue. This vintage chocolat pot from an old Parisian hotel has been finished in these colours. It took me an age to find just the right brown to make the pot look as though it were made of chocolate.

Chocolat pot

I came across this picture of pink elephants on a journey around the web researching for my blog and I tucked it away on my laptop knowing one day I would use it. The minute I found these wooden elephants I just had to paint one of them pink.

I see pink elephants...

I don’t think it takes a genius to connect nail varnish and patent leather so this one was a no-brainer! When I sold these two chairs I was a little sad as they were so beautful. They really did look as though they had had nail varnish poured over the seats.

Red patent leather chairs

Another shop you cannot avoid in France is Laduree. Their signature colours are so distinctive and I just could not resist using them on this gorgeous old country chair I found in Paris.

Macaron chair

One important thing to remember when looking for inspiration is that if a colour, pattern or texture  instantly appeals to your eye you will love living with it.

Have I inspired you?